From a distance, Longwood‘s octagonal mass and cherry-on-top promises opulence. Grandeur. Impressive attention to architectural detail befitting a couple obsessed with living in the belly of their dream.

It’s only when one ventures inside that she learns the truth.

The Civil War bankrupted the family. When he sent the workers north in 1862, he didn’t know he’d be dead by 1864. She moved into the mansion’s basement with her eight children, still fighting until her death in 1897 to garner federal reparations to finish her dream, to make the five stories above her head more than an elaborate, unfinished attic.

Right now, I know how she felt.

Passion is a ball-buster. It takes completely sane people and makes them crazy. Obsessed. Cycloptic in focus.

That’s me, Dear Reader. I’m all those things. I could bore you with my despair, or I could take MTM’s advice and realize I’m over-eager and want too much, too soon. (He doesn’t have to do our 2014 tax return today and see the substantial five-figure writing loss, though…..)

In public, I try to focus on the positives. Nobody wants me to lift the veil right now.

Your lives are swamped with noise, distractions and requests for your time. If you’ve given me time, THANK YOU. You’ve probably already done everything you can to help Not Without My Father find an audience.

Again, THANK YOU.

If you have a minute or two and are comfortable with any of the following activities, I would appreciate that time more than I can type today. I’m beaten. And I’m bloodied. And I’ve cried oceans.

I’m running a special via Facebook ad. It’s called “Money-back Guarantee!” If you know someone who needs to read Not Without My Father, please share the post on their Facebook wall. Tag them by name and tell them WHY they need to read the book or what it meant to you in the post’s description. To do this, click “Write Post” after you click “Share.” Between now and May 12, Not Without My Father electronic versions have a money-back guarantee. If someone purchases the e-book and is dissatisfied, I’ll refund their money with valid proof of purchase. As an added bonus to you, Dear Reader, I’ll award one of my five precious copies of NWMF, signed by practically everyone in the book, to a lucky winner. Between now and May 12, 2015, simply share the “Money-back Guarantee!” post, follow the instructions above, and tag me to enter.

If you’re in any social media group and you’ve read one of my books, please craft a quick post and tell others what the story meant to you.

If you know anyone who selects speakers for groups, I would appreciate an introduction/recommendation for the fall season. Personal recommendations are the most successful asks. Many libraries, retirement communities, colleges and universities, private clubs, companies and business groups pay speakers. I can provide a list of references as well as professional video, and I can tailor a presentation to a specific group. Anyone who’s seen me in action will tell you I’m an awesome presenter.

If you’re connected to anyone with a large online following, please recommend Not Without My Father to them. They might feature it somewhere.

I mentioned libraries on Friday. Libraries BUY my titles. Whether you use your local library or not, you’re a resident of the library’s jurisdiction and thus a possible patron. Please either use their online request-a-book form to ask them to purchase my titles, or ask the person in charge of purchasing decisions to buy my books the next time you visit. Again, you DO NOT have to use your local library to make requests. Other people may find my books and be inspired to Make a Memory because of your efforts. And if they ask, YES…..my books are available at both Ingram and Baker & Taylor, the two primary places libraries purchase books.

THANK YOU!!! AGAIN!!!!

For the next couple of weeks, I won’t be posting here, and I’ll be scarce throughout social media. I need to take some time to nurture my soul and heal my shredded spirit (AND complete a West Coast book trip.) In the interest of zoning out as soon as possible, I’ve disabled comments today. I look forward to seeing you online around May 1.